What does an artist look like? Malina Jeffers wants to challenge your perceptions

11:38 AM,
Jul. 10, 2013

Malina Simone Jeffers' 'I Am an Artist' project was the winning idea that earned her $10,000 to make it happen during Round 3 of the '5x5: Indianapolis Arts and Innovation' competition, held June 28 on Georgia Street in downtown Indianapolis. The theme was 'Face Your City: an urban love affair.' Her project is to showcase the many faces of local artists. / Photo by Tessa Tillet, provided by IndyHub.

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Malina Simone Jeffers' idea is simple but clever: to showcase the talent of local artists while also challenging perceptions about what an artist should look like.

"This project is working to expand our thinking about who can be an artist and what an artist looks like," Jeffers said.

"What does a Latino pop band look like? What does a black jewelry maker look like? We need to see, and we need more kids to see," said the 31-year-old Indianapolis woman, a Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School graduate who studied advertising and photographer at Ball State University. ...